10 Romantic Date Night Ideas You Can Do At Home...

Lair of Love

By Amy Elisa Keith

Instead of the standard candlelit dinner and Barry White tunes, lifestyle expert Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty reveals her top ten outside-the-box ideas for an intimate night at home. The best part? They're all budget-friendly. Swoon, swoon.

Play Time

"Sometimes, all you need to turn up the romance dial is a little bit of fun," says Larson. "Good, old-fashioned Twister fun." Larson spotted this idea on You+Me where a duo turned their backyard into their very own game. When his hand is on red and your leg is on green, there's sure to be some romance in between.

                                                                           

Floor for Two

Dining at the dinner table can feel overly stiff and formal. Get closer to your significant other by moving your feast to the floor. "With a bunch of cozy throws and some super-comfy pillows, suddenly, dining à la casa seems special," says Larson, "and kind of sexy." Try serving up fingers foods or smaller bites that you can each feed one another.

Checking In

"Transform your own bedroom into a hotel. Crisp new sheets with a fabulous thread count will instantly up the sexy factor," says Larson. Bring candlesticks from the dining room and set a bottle of sparkling wine with fresh strawberries on a silver tray. "Stuff all those boring bedroom items under the bed for the night, and let your imagination run wild."

Guessing Game

Rev up the excitement and suspense by presenting your significant other with a sealed envelope filled with hints about your upcoming date night. "I saw this idea on Find the Joy in the Journey and was smitten," says Larson. "In the envelope, include tickets to a great movie you've been dying to see, a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant, a confirmation to a hotel getaway, or a favorite DVD and a recipe for a delicious meal at home."

Great Outdoors

Take your party of two to the backyard for movie night. "Rent a screen and a projector from your local library. Then add in some beautiful throws and plush pillows," says Larson. Cuddle up and enjoy some nontraditional movie fare: gourmet popcorn and bubbly. 

Room Service

For a twist on the traditional B&B experience, enjoy a gourmet meal in the warmth of your own sheets. "Turn the bedroom into a fancy bed and breakfast with yummy treats scored the day before at your local bakery," says Larson. "Serve them on your finest china, and cozy up to the deliciousness." 

Sweet Talk 

"There is something sexy about mixing sugary goodness together in the kitchen," says the founder of Style Me Pretty. "Think Ghost but with butter instead of clay." Add a little chocolate to the equation, and you have the perfect recipe for love to start your evening.

Pitching In

Get on trend with glamping, or glamorous camping, which is all the rage, according to Larson. Whether indoors or out, pitch a beautiful tent to create the ultimate lair of love. "Fill it with pretty string lights, your favorite bites, and soft fabrics, and pretend that you're anywhere else but at home," suggests Larson.